Multiple antenna system and method for mobile platforms

ABSTRACT

A method and system facilitate communication between a constellation of satellites and a mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator. The method and system may include the use of a first antenna suited for operation using a first frequency band in a first geographic region and a second antenna suited for operation using either the first or a second frequency band in a second geographic region. The method and system may use a controller to determine which antenna to activate based on one or more of a geographic indicator or a signal indicator. The system used by the method to facilitate the communication may have one or more enclosures over the antennas and controller for mounting to a mobile platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/382,227,filed Dec. 16, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/177,863, filed Feb. 11, 2014, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/763,350, filed Feb. 11, 2013 andU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/901,848, filed Nov. 8, 2013. Theentire contents of each of the foregoing are expressly incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method forproviding for multi-regional communication with a satellite networkusing different antennas suited for use in different regions and, moreparticularly to a communicator mounted on a mobile platform with a firstantenna suited for use in a first region and a second antenna suited foruse in a second region that are controlled to optimize access to thesatellite network as the mobile platform moves from the first region tothe second region.

BACKGROUND

Since the beginning of powered flight, it has been of paramountimportance for people onboard a plane to be able to communicate withpeople on the ground. As technology advanced, this communication beganto include digital data as well as analog voice signals. Furtheradvances lead to the technology to permit aircraft to communicate withsatellites to relay information to and from ground stations so aircraftcould continue to be in communication over land and ocean, anywherearound the world. More recently, passengers on the aircraft have beengiven access to these satellite systems, especially to use the satellitesystems to access the Internet. The aircraft may access the satellitesystem with an antenna or antenna array suited for communication withthe satellite system. However, different locations around the globe maycall for different types of antennas to optimize communication, so asatellite transceiver with only a single type of antenna may not provideadequate service if the mobile platform to which it is mounted movesacross the globe. In particular, an aircraft flying a transcontinentalroute may experience a reduced ability to communicate with the satellitesystem as it moves from a polar latitude toward the Equator.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, it may be advantageous to create a system which includesmultiple types of antennas where different antennas are suitable forusage in different geographic areas as well as different atmosphericconditions. The system may include a controller or processor todetermine which of the antennas to use to communicate with the satellitenetwork.

In an embodiment, a mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator forcommunicating with a constellation of satellites including a firstantenna optimized for operation using a frequency band in a firstgeographic region; a second antenna suited for operation using eitherthe first frequency band or a second frequency band in a secondgeographic region; a controller or processor configured to determinewhich antenna to activate based on one or more of a geographic indicatoror a signal indicator; and one or more enclosures or radomes for themobile platform-mounted mobile communicator.

In another embodiment, a method of communicating with a constellation ofsatellites using a mobile platform including: communicating with theconstellation of satellites on a first frequency band using a firstantenna, wherein the first antenna is optimized for operation in a firstgeographic location; determining, with a processor, to terminatecommunication via the first antenna and begin communication via a secondantenna based on one of a geographic indicator or a signal indicator;wherein the second antenna is optimized for operation in a secondgeographic location; and communicating with the constellation ofsatellites on either the first frequency band or a second frequency bandusing the second antenna.

In another embodiment, a method of communicating with a mobilecommunicator mounted to a mobile platform including: using a firstantenna of the mobile communicator to establish communication with afirst satellite; communicating data packets with the first satellite viathe first antenna; receiving one or more of a geographic indicator or asignal indicator; based on the one or more of a geographic indicator ora signal indicator, determining, by a processor, to terminatecommunication via the first antenna and begin communication via a secondantenna of the mobile communicator; terminating communication via thefirst antenna; configuring the second antenna to establish communicationwith one of the first satellite or a second satellite; and communicatingdata packets with one of the first satellite or the second satellite viathe second antenna.

In another embodiment, a satellite communication system including: afirst satellite for communication on a frequency band; a mobileplatform, wherein the mobile platform is capable of moving from a firstregion to a second region; and a mobile communicator mounted to themobile platform including: a first antenna array for communication oneither a first frequency band or a second frequency band, a secondantenna array for communication on either the first frequency band orthe second frequency band, a communicator controller configured todetermine whether to use the first antenna array or the second antennaarray, selectively enable and disable the first antenna array, andselectively enable and disable the second antenna array, and anenclosure for the mobile communicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures described below depict various aspects of the system andmethods disclosed herein. It should be understood that each figuredepicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed system andmethods, and that each of the figures is intended to accord with apossible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the followingdescription refers to the reference numerals included in the followingfigures, in which features depicted in multiple figures are designatedwith consistent reference numerals.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a constellation of satellites anda mobile platform with a mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator onwith an exemplary multi-region satellite communication method mayoperate in accordance with the described embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a mobile platform-mounted mobilecommunicator controller;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary multi-region satellite communicationmethod operating in accordance with the described embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary antenna array selection method operatingin accordance with the described embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legalscope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forthat the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construedas exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, asdescribing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if notimpossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, usingeither current technology or technology developed after the filing dateof this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined inthis patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ ishereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intentto limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication,beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not beinterpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in anysection of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To theextent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent isreferred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning,that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader,and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implicationor otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element isdefined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recitalof any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim elementbe interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixthparagraph.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system 100 for providingcommunications between a constellation of satellites and a mobileplatform using a multi-antenna array. The system 100 may be used ineither or both of a first region 102 and a second region 104. The firstregion 102 and second region 104 may be any of a number of regions withdifferent environments for transmitting and receiving a signal to andfrom one or more satellites. As discussed below, one of the antennas ofthe system 100 may be more suitable than another antenna of the system100 because of the different environments for transmitting and receivinga signal to and from the one or more satellites. The first region 102and second region 104 may be geographically defined. For example, thefirst region 102 may be a region closer to either the North Pole orSouth Pole than the Equator and the second region 104 may be a regioncloser to the Equator than either Pole. In another example, the firstregion 102 may be defined as a region where the line of sight angle tothe nearest satellite is relatively higher than the line of sight angleto the nearest satellite in the second region 104. The first region 102and second region 104 may also be defined by atmospheric conditions. Forexample, the first region 102 may be defined as a region where themoisture content in the ambient air is relatively higher than themoisture content in the ambient air in the second region 104. In anotherexample, the first region 102 may be defined as a region where there ismore interference on the frequency bands used by the system 100 than inthe second region 102. The first region 102 and second region 104 may beseparated by a boundary 103. The boundary 103 may be a fixed geographicboundary (e.g., the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, etc.) orit may be a shifting boundary between the first region 102 and secondregion 104.

The system 100 may include a constellation of satellites including afirst satellite 106 and a second satellite 108. If the regions 102 and104 are geographically defined, the satellites 106 and 108 may be ingeostationary orbit over the respective first region 102 and secondregion 104. However, it will be understood that the satellites 106 and108 may orbit the Earth at any number of altitudes and speeds and maynot be in geostationary orbit. The satellites 106 and 108 may becommunications satellites relaying information to and from a mobileplatform 110 (over connections 114 and 116 as discussed below) and anetwork 112 (over connections 118 and 120, respectively). The network112 may be a proprietary network, a public internet, a virtual privatenetwork or some other type of network, such as dedicated access lines,plain ordinary telephone lines, satellite links, combinations of these,etc. Where the network 112 comprises the Internet, data communicationsmay take place over the network 130 via an Internet communicationprotocol. The mobile platform 110 may be any vehicle or mobile devicecapable of travelling from the first region 102 to the second region104. While the mobile platform 110 pictured in FIG. 1 is an airplane, itwill be understood that the mobile platform 110 can be a ship, boat,yacht, submarine, automobile, truck, motorcycle, helicopter, drone, orother vehicle capable of moving along the air, land, or sea. While onlya single mobile platform 110 is shown in FIG. 1, it will be understoodthat the constellation of satellites may be used to communicate withtens, hundreds, thousands, etc. of mobile platforms 110. Similarly,while only two satellites 106 and 108 are picture in FIG. 1, it will beappreciated that the constellation of satellites may include tens,hundreds, or any number of satellites coving all or part of the globe.Further, the network 112 may be made of tens, hundreds, or any number ofsub-networks which may or may not communicate with each other in knownways.

The system 100 may include a mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator130 comprising a first antenna array 132, a second antenna array 134, amobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136, and a radomeenclosure 138. The first antenna array 132 may be optimized forcommunication with satellites under the conditions found in the firstregion 102. For example, if the first region 102 is closer to either theNorth Pole or South Pole than the Equator, the first antenna array 132may be well suited to operation near the Poles. For example, the firstantenna array 132 may be an AeroSat HR6400 antenna system, a KuStream2000 antenna system, or an Auro LE antenna, the specifications for whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The firstantenna array 132 may communicate with the constellation of satellitesover the link 114, which may be a link to the satellite 106 as depictedin FIG. 1. While the phrase “first antenna array” is used herein, itwill be understood that the first antenna array 132 may be a singleantenna or an array including a plurality of antennas. The secondantenna array 134 may be optimized for communication with satellitesunder the conditions found in the second region 104. For example, if thesecond region 104 is closer to the Equator, the second antenna array 134may be well suited to operation near the Equator. For example, thesecond antenna array 134 may be a ThinKom Solutions Variable InclinationContinuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) array. The second antenna 134 mayalso be similar to the conformal phased array antenna array described in“Conformal Phased Array With Beam Forming for Airborne SatelliteCommunication” by Schippers et al. or the antenna system described inU.S. Pat. No. 7,068,235 to Guidon et al., both of which are herebyincorporated by reference. The second antenna array 132 may communicatewith the constellation of satellites over the link 116, which may be alink to the satellite 108 or a different satellite using any one of aplurality of frequency bands as depicted in FIG. 1. While the phrase“second antenna array” is used herein, it will be understood that thesecond antenna array 134 may be a single antenna or an array including aplurality of antennas.

The system 100 may use any of a number of frequency bands to send andreceive messages. Messages to and from the satellites 106 and 108 may bemodulated onto waves with frequencies in one of several known satellitecommunication bands. For example, the messages to and from thesatellites 106 and 108 may be modulated onto waves in the microwave bandof the electromagnetic spectrum. In particular, the carrier wavefrequencies may be in the K_(u) band between 12-18 GHZ and/or the K_(a)band between 26.5-40 GHz. Of course, other bands in the microwavespectrum may be used. Further, it will be understood that bands outsidethe microwave spectrum may be used.

The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller/processor 136may be a computer or real-time controller adapted and configured toexecute various software applications and functions to select whichantenna array to use to communicate with the constellation of satellitesand facilitate communication with the constellation of satellites usingthe selected antenna array. FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of anexemplary mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136.The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 may havea controller 202 that is operatively connected to the database 210(e.g., one or more hard disk drives, optical storage drives, solid statestorage devices, etc.) via a link 218. The database 210 is adapted tostore data related to the operation of the mobile platform-mountedmobile communicator 130, and mobile platform-mounted mobile communicatorcontroller 136 may access data stored in the database 210 when executingvarious functions and tasks associated with the operation of the mobileplatform-mounted mobile communicator 130. Such data might include, forexample, geographic location data from a GPS unit 230, sensor data froma signal sensor 232, application data for the plurality of applications224, routine data for the plurality of routines 226, or other kinds ofdata. It should be noted that, while not shown, additional databases maybe linked to the controller 202 in a known manner.

The controller 202 may include a program memory 204, a processor 206(may be called a microcontroller or a microprocessor), a random-accessmemory (RAM) 208, and an input/output (I/O) circuit 214, all of whichmay be interconnected via an address/data bus 216. It should beappreciated that although only one microprocessor 206 is shown, thecontroller 202 may include multiple microprocessors 206. Similarly, thememory of the controller 202 may include multiple RAMs 208 and multipleprogram memories 204. Although the I/O circuit 214 is shown as a singleblock, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuit 214 may include anumber of different types of I/O circuits. The program memory 204 and/orthe RAM 208 may include a graphical user interface 220, a mobileplatform-mounted mobile communicator controller 222, a plurality ofsoftware applications 224, and a plurality of software routines 226. Thegraphical user interface 220 may be a set of instructions that whenexecuted by the processor 206 cause a display (not shown) to displayinformation to a user and/or receive input from the user, administrator,technician, etc. tasked with configuring the mobile platform-mountedmobile communicator controller 136. The mobile platform-mounted mobilecommunicator controller 222 may be a set of instructions that whenexecuted by the processor 206 cause the mobile platform-mounted mobilecommunicator controller 136 to carry out the functions associated withthe exemplary mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator 130 describedherein. The RAM(s) 208 and program memories 204 may be implemented assemiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, and/or opticallyreadable memories, for example. The signal sensor 232 may be operativelyconnected to the first antenna array 132 over link 242 and the secondantenna array 134 over link 244. As discussed below, the mobileplatform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 may be able toenable or disable the first antenna array 132 and/or second antennaarray 134 using the respective links 242 and 244.

The GPS unit 230 may use satellite GPS or any other suitable globalpositioning protocol (e.g., the GLONASS system operated by the Russiangovernment) or system that locates the position of the mobile platform110 and/or mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136.Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the positionaldata need not come directly from a satellite as it could be dataobtained or derived from an initial reference unit of the aircraft.While only a single GPS unit 230 is shown in FIG. 2, any number of GPSunits 230 may be used to gather geographic data. The GPS unit 230 may beintegrated into the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicatorcontroller 136 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be installed separately on themobile platform 110 and communicating geographic data to the mobileplatform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 (e.g., via the I/Ocircuit 214). The geographic data gathered by the GPS unit 230 mayinclude information about the longitudinal and latitudinal coordinatesand/or altitude of the mobile platform 110 and/or mobileplatform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136.

The signal sensor 232 may be used to gather signal data. The signalsensor 232 may be integrated into the mobile platform-mounted mobilecommunicator controller 136 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be installedseparately on the mobile platform 110 and communicating geographic datato the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 (e.g.,via the I/O circuit 214). While only a single signal sensor 232 is shownin FIG. 2, any number of signal sensors 232 may be used to gather signaldata. Signal data may include information about signal strength andsignal quality. The signal sensor 232 may gather information aboutsignal-noise ratio, attenuation, interference, degradation,electromagnetic environment, or any other measurements indicatingfactors that may affect how effectively the mobile platform-mountedmobile communicator 130 is able to use either or both of the firstantenna array 132 or second antenna array 134 to transmit signals to andreceive signals from the constellation of satellites.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of amulti-region satellite communication method 300 implemented by thesystem 100. More particularly, the method 300 may be performed by themobile platform-mounted mobile communicator 130 in conjunction with thesatellites 106 and 108 and network 112. While the mobile platform 110 isin the first region 102, the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator130 may facilitate communication between the mobile platform 110 and thefirst satellite 106 using the first antenna array 132 (block 302). Themobile platform-mounted mobile communicator 130 may periodically verifyits presence in the first region 102 by checking the geographic data orsignal data. The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator 130 thendetermines to terminate communication via the first antenna array 132and begin communication via the second antenna array 134 (block 304).FIG. 4 shows further detail about the steps undertaken to implementblock 304. After determining to terminate communication via the firstantenna array 132 and begin communication via the second antenna array134, the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 maydisable the first antenna array 132 using link 242 and enable the secondantenna array 134 using link 244 (block 306). After enabling the secondantenna array 134, the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator 130may facilitate communication between the mobile platform 110 and secondsatellite 108 using the second antenna array 134. Referring again toFIG. 1, while FIG. 1 shows the use of both a first satellite 106 and asecond satellite 108, it will be understood that the method 300 may beused to communicate via the first antenna array 132, determine toterminate communication via the first antenna array 132 and begincommunication with the second antenna array 134, and communicate via thesecond antenna array 134 while only using a single satellite 106 or 108(i.e., the satellite 106 is used to communicate with the mobile platform110 in both regions). The method may also include communications withone or more satellites using a single band or frequency range, or with asecond frequency band or frequency range.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of an antennaarray selection method 400 implemented by the system 100 as part ofblock 304. The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller136 may receive an indicator that it may be advantageous to terminatecommunication via the first antenna array 132 and begin communicationvia the second antenna array 134 (block 402). The indicator may bederived from or based on geographic or signal data. The mobileplatform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 may determinewhether the indicator is a geographic indicator or a signal indicator(block 404). A geographic indicator may include latitude and longitudecoordinates, altitude, current geographic region (e.g., the first region102 or second region 104), proximity to a boundary 103, whether aboundary 103 has been crossed, etc. A signal indicator may includeinformation relating to signal data discussed above, including anindicator that a signal quality, signal strength, etc. has changedbeyond a particular threshold.

If the indicator is a geographic indicator, the indicator may be used todetermine that the mobile platform 110 has passed (or will soon pass)from a first region 102 into a second region 104 (block 406). Becausethe second antenna array 134 is better suited for operation in thesecond region 104, the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicatorcontroller 136 may instruct the first antenna array 132 to deactivateand to activate the second antenna array 134 (block 408). During thetransition, the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller136 may perform a handoff process to ensure a seamless transitionbetween the use of the first antenna array 132 and the second antennaarray 134. Additionally, if the mobile platform-mounted mobilecommunicator 130 will continue communicating with the first satellite106, the satellite 106 may perform a handoff process. Alternatively, ifthe mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator 130 will becommunicating with the second satellite 108 in the second region 104,the constellation of satellites may perform a handoff process to ensurea seamless transition from the first satellite 106 to the secondsatellite 108.

If the indicator is a signal indicator, the indicator may be used todetermine that the mobile platform 110 has passed (or will soon pass)from a first region 102 into a second region 104 (block 410). However,because a signal-based determination of region may not be a boundary ona map, it may be advantageous to test both the first antenna array 132and the second antenna array 134 to determine which is more suited tothe current location and operating environment of the mobile platform110. Accordingly, with or without deactivating the first antenna array132, the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 maytest the second antenna array 134 to determine if the using the secondantenna array 134 is associated with an improved signal (block 412).Signal data associated with the use of the first antenna array 132 maybe compared to signal data associated with the use of the second antennaarray 134 to determine which antenna has a better signal (block 414).Signals from both antennas can be continuously monitored by the signalsensor. Alternatively, no discrete measurement is needed, as bothantennas can receive “lock” simultaneously, and the sensor may be usedin determining which link to “close” (communicate bi-directionally). Abetter signal may include higher signal quality, higher signal power, asignal closer to one or more optimal operating parameters, etc. If thesignal from using the first antenna array 132 is better than the signalfrom using the second antenna array 134, then the mobileplatform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 may determine tocontinue using the first antenna array 132 and deactivate the secondantenna array 134 (block 416). The method 300 may end, or the method 300may loop and wait until a second indicator is received that it may beadvantageous to switch antenna arrays is received and repeat the processdiscussed above. If the signal from using the second antenna array 134is better, the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller136 may instruct the first antenna array 132 deactivate and to activatethe second antenna array 134 (block 418). During the transition, themobile platform-mounted mobile communicator controller 136 may perform ahandoff process to ensure a seamless transition between the use of thefirst antenna array 132 and the second antenna array 134. Additionally,if the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator 130 will continuecommunicating with the first satellite 106, the satellite 106 mayperform a handoff process. Alternatively, if the mobile platform-mountedmobile communicator 130 will be communicating with the second satellite108 in the second region 104, the constellation of satellites mayperform a handoff process to ensure a seamless transition from the firstsatellite 106 to the second satellite 108.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

Additionally, certain embodiments are described herein as includinglogic or a number of routines, subroutines, applications, orinstructions. These may constitute either software (e.g., code embodiedon a machine-readable medium) or hardware. In hardware, the routines,etc., are tangible units capable of performing certain operations andmay be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In exampleembodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client orserver computer system) or one or more hardware modules of a computersystem (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured bysoftware (e.g., an application or application portion) as a hardwaremodule that operates to perform certain operations as described herein.

In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implementedmechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module maycomprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured(e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gatearray (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) toperform certain operations. A hardware module may also compriseprogrammable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within ageneral-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that istemporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. Itwill be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware modulemechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or intemporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may bedriven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the term “hardware module” should be understood toencompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physicallyconstructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarilyconfigured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or toperform certain operations described herein. Considering embodiments inwhich hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed),each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated atany one instance in time. For example, where the hardware modulescomprise a general-purpose processor configured using software, thegeneral-purpose processor may be configured as respective differenthardware modules at different times. Software may accordingly configurea processor, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module atone instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at adifferent instance of time.

Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive informationfrom, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardwaremodules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multipleof such hardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may beachieved through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuitsand buses) that connect the hardware modules. In embodiments in whichmultiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at differenttimes, communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, forexample, through the storage and retrieval of information in memorystructures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. Forexample, one hardware module may perform an operation and store theoutput of that operation in a memory product to which it iscommunicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a latertime, access the memory product to retrieve and process the storedoutput. Hardware modules may also initiate communications with input oroutput products, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection ofinformation).

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors that aretemporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured toperform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanentlyconfigured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modulesthat operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modulesreferred to herein may, in some example embodiments, compriseprocessor-implemented modules.

Similarly, the methods or routines described herein may be at leastpartially processor-implemented. For example, at least some of theoperations of a method may be performed by one or more processors orprocessor-implemented hardware modules. The performance of certain ofthe operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, notonly residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number ofmachines. In some example embodiments, the processor or processors maybe located in a single location (e.g., within a home environment, anoffice environment or as a server farm), while in other embodiments theprocessors may be distributed across a number of locations.

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed amongthe one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine,but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments,the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may belocated in a single geographic location (e.g., within a homeenvironment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other exampleembodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modulesmay be distributed across a number of geographic locations.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using wordssuch as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,”“presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions orprocesses of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transformsdata represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical)quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory,non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or othermachine components that receive, store, transmit, or displayinformation.

As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and“connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodimentsmay be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or moreelements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term“coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not indirect contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interactwith each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the description. Thisdescription, and the claims that follow, should be read to include oneor at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it isobvious that it is meant otherwise.

This detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and doesnot describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possibleembodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implementnumerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology ortechnology developed after the filing date of this application.

Aspect 1. A mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator forcommunicating with a constellation of satellites comprising: a firstantenna optimized for operation using a first frequency band in a firstgeographic region; a second antenna optimized for operation using eitherthe first frequency band or a second frequency band in a secondgeographic region; a controller configured to determine which antenna toactivate based on one or more of a geographic indicator or a signalindicator; and a radome enclosure for the platform-mounted mobilecommunicator configured to enclose the first antenna, the second antennaor both the first and second antennas.

Aspect 2. The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator of aspect 1,wherein the mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator is mounted toone of an airplane, an automobile, or a ship.

Aspect 3. The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator of eitheraspect 1 or 2, wherein the first geographic region is proximate to theNorth Pole or South Pole and wherein the second geographic region isproximate to the Equator.

Aspect 4. The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator of any one ofaspects 1-3 wherein the first frequency band is one of a K_(u)-band orK_(a)-band and the second frequency band is one of a K_(u)-band orK_(a)-band.

Aspect 5. The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator of any one ofaspects 1-4 wherein the geographic indicator is a set of GPScoordinates.

Aspect 6. The mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator of any one ofaspects 1-4 wherein the signal indicator is one of a signal-noiseindicator, a throughput indicator, an interference indicator, adistortion indicator, or an attenuation indicator.

Aspect 7. A method of communicating with a constellation of satellitesusing a mobile platform comprising: communicating with the constellationof satellites on a first frequency band using a first antenna, whereinthe first antenna is optimized for operation in a first geographiclocation; determining, with a processor, to terminate communication viathe first antenna and begin communication via a second antenna based onone of a geographic indicator or a signal indicator; wherein the secondantenna is optimized for operation in a second geographic location; andcommunicating with the constellation of satellites on either the firstfrequency band or a second frequency band using the second antenna.

Aspect 8. The method of communicating with a constellation of satellitesof aspect 7, further comprising mounting the mobile platform-mountedmobile communicator to one of an airplane, an automobile, or a ship.

Aspect 9. The method of communicating with a constellation of satellitesof either aspect 7 or 8, further comprising optimizing the first antennafor operation proximate to the North Pole or South Pole and optimizingthe second antenna for operation proximate to the Equator.

Aspect 10. The method of communicating with a constellation ofsatellites of any one of aspects 7-9, further comprising communicatingwith the constellation of satellites on one of a K_(u)-band, aK_(a)-band or both.

Aspect 11. The method of communicating with a constellation ofsatellites of any one of aspects 7-10, wherein determining to terminatecommunication via the first antenna and begin communication via thesecond antenna based on the geographic indicator comprises determiningto terminate communication via the first antenna and begin communicationvia the second antenna based on a set of GPS coordinates or similarpositional data.

Aspect 12. The method of communicating with a constellation ofsatellites of any one of aspects 7-10, wherein determining to terminatecommunication via the first antenna and begin communication via thesecond antenna based on the signal indicator comprises determining toterminate communication via the first antenna and begin communicationvia the second antenna based on one of a signal-noise indicator, athroughput indicator, an interference indicator, a distortion indicator,or an attenuation indicator.

Aspect 13. A method of communicating with a mobile communicator mountedto a mobile platform comprising: configuring a first antenna of themobile communicator to establish communication with a first satellite;communicating data packets with the first satellite via the firstantenna; receiving one or more of a geographic indicator or a signalindicator; based on the one or more of a geographic indicator or asignal indicator, determining, by a processor, to terminatecommunication via the first antenna and begin communication via a secondantenna of the mobile communicator; terminating communication via thefirst antenna; configuring the second antenna to establish communicationwith one of the first satellite or a second satellite; and communicatingdata packets with one of the first satellite or the second satellite viathe second antenna.

Aspect 14. The method of communicating with a mobile communicatormounted to a mobile platform of aspect 13, further comprising mountingthe mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator to one of an airplane,an automobile, or a ship.

Aspect 15. The method of communicating with a mobile communicatormounted to a mobile platform of either aspect 13 or 14, furthercomprising optimizing the first antenna for operation proximate to theNorth Pole or South Pole and optimizing the second antenna for operationproximate to the Equator.

Aspect 16. The method of communicating with a mobile communicatormounted to a mobile platform of any one of aspects 13-15, furthercomprising communicating with the first and second satellites on one ofa K_(u)-band, K_(a)-band or both.

Aspect 17. The method of communicating with a mobile communicatormounted to a mobile platform of any one of aspects 13-16, whereindetermining to terminate communication via the first antenna and begincommunication via the second antenna based on the geographic indicatorcomprises determining to terminate communication via the first antennaand begin communication via the second antenna based on a set of GPScoordinates or similar positional data.

Aspect 18. The method of communicating with a mobile communicatormounted to a mobile platform of any one of aspects 13-16, whereindetermining to terminate communication via the first antenna and begincommunication via the second antenna based on the signal indicatorcomprises determining to terminate communication via the first antennaand begin communication via the second antenna based on one of asignal-noise indicator, a throughput indicator, an interferenceindicator, a distortion indicator, or an attenuation indicator.

What is claimed:
 1. An aircraft-mounted mobile communicator comprising:a first communication portion and a second communication portion; and acontroller configured to: (i) control the first communication portion tocommunicate data with or without controlling the second communicationportion to communicate data, (ii) in response to a signal indicatorreceived after (i), test communication via the second communicationportion while continuing to communicate data via the first communicationportion, (iii) compare a first signal associated with use of the firstcommunication portion and a second signal associated with use of thesecond communication portion, and (iv) if the second signal has a higherpower or quality than the first signal, terminate communication via thefirst communication portion and begin communication via the secondcommunication portion.
 2. The aircraft-mounted mobile communicator ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the firstcommunication portion to communicate data without controlling the secondcommunication portion to communicate data.
 3. The aircraft-mountedmobile communicator of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured tocontinue communication via the first communication portion if the firstsignal has a higher power or quality than the second signal.
 4. Theaircraft-mounted mobile communicator of claim 1, the first communicationportion being optimized for operation using a first frequency band andsecond communication portion being optimized for operation using asecond frequency band.
 5. The aircraft-mounted mobile communicator ofclaim 4, wherein the first frequency band is one of a K_(u)-band orK_(a)-band and the second frequency band is the other one of theK_(u)-band or K_(a)-band.
 6. The aircraft-mounted mobile communicator ofclaim 1, the first communication portion being optimized for operationusing a first frequency band in a first geographic region.
 7. Theaircraft-mounted mobile communicator of claim 6, the second antennabeing optimized for operation using either the first frequency band or asecond frequency band in a second geographic region.
 8. Theaircraft-mounted mobile communicator of claim 7, wherein the firstgeographic region is proximate to the North Pole or South Pole andwherein the second geographic region is proximate to the Equator.
 9. Theaircraft-mounted mobile communicator of claim 1, the signal indicatorbeing representative of at least one of a signal-noise ratio,attenuation, interference, degradation, or electromagnetic environment.10. The aircraft-mounted mobile communicator of claim 1, wherein thefirst communication portion comprises a first antenna and the secondcommunication portion comprises a second antenna.
 11. Anaircraft-mounted mobile communicator comprising: an antenna unitconfigured to communicate data via at least one of a first frequencyband and a second frequency band; and a controller configured to: (i)control the antenna unit to communicate data via the first frequencyband without communicating data via the second frequency band, (ii) inresponse to a signal indicator received after (i), control the antennaunit to test communication via the second frequency band whilecontinuing to communicate data via the first frequency band, (iii)compare a first signal associated with communicating data via the firstfrequency band and a second signal associated with communicating datavia the second frequency band, and (iv) if the second signal has ahigher power or quality than the first signal, control the antenna unitto terminate communication via the first frequency band and begincommunication via the second frequency band.
 12. The aircraft-mountedmobile communicator of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured tocontinue communication via the first frequency band if the first signalhas a higher power or quality than the second signal.
 13. Theaircraft-mounted mobile communicator of claim 11, wherein the antennaunit comprises a first antenna optimized for operation using the firstfrequency band and a second antenna optimized for operation using thesecond frequency band.
 14. The aircraft-mounted mobile communicator ofclaim 11, wherein the first frequency band is one of a K_(u)-band orK_(a)-band and the second frequency band is the other one of theK_(u)-band or K_(a)-band.
 15. The aircraft-mounted mobile communicatorof claim 11, wherein the antenna unit is optimized for operation usingthe first frequency band in a first geographic region and the secondfrequency band in a second geographic region.
 16. The aircraft-mountedmobile communicator of claim 15, wherein the first geographic region isproximate to the North Pole or South Pole and wherein the secondgeographic region is proximate to the Equator.
 17. The aircraft-mountedmobile communicator of claim 11, the signal indicator beingrepresentative of at least one of a signal-noise ratio, attenuation,interference, degradation, or electromagnetic environment.